AGRIBUSINESS
LOBBYIST OF THE
YEAR It’s no surprise Robert Coker is considered one of the best in the business. Coker, the Senior Vice President for public affairs at U.S. Sugar, has spent 37 years with the company, becoming a steadfast advocate for the agriculture industry and a respected member of the state’s lobby corps. His commitment to the industry, and the rural communities it supports, was once again reflected in Coker’s legislative work. When it became clear that water quality and Everglades restoration would be a top priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis, Coker seized the opportunity to continue to pro-
Robert Coker mote the work the agriculture community does to encourage sustainability and protect the environment. He worked tirelessly to promote economic development and economic opportunity in rural communities and was instrumental in securing disaster relief for citrus growers. He touted the important role South Florida farmers play in sustaining communities, often highlighting the abundance of crops — from sugarcane and green beans to sweet corn and lettuce — grown in the region. A strong defender of Florida farmers and their property rights, Coker used the 2019 Legislative Session to promote the in-
dustry throughout the Capitol. As a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors, Coker worked with business groups across the state to advance policies that support the thousands upon thousands of jobs tied to agriculture. Coker’s strong commitment to the agriculture community doesn’t stop at the steps of the Capitol. He is a member of the Florida Sugar Cane League, where he serves on the board; the Palm Beach County Economic Council; the Economic Council of Martin County and the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce.
WINTER 2020 INFLUENCE | 105